By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 3: The foremost Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Wednesday expressed his profound sympathy and extended prayers for the victims affected by the earthquake in Japan during a ceremony held in Bodhgaya, India.
In his address, the Dalai Lama remarked, “Japan, which has one of the largest Buddhist populations in the world, is currently going through a difficult period. As a fellow Buddhist, I feel a deep sense of connection to the country. Together with the people currently on pilgrimage to this sacred place, we will recite prayers for the victims of this disaster in Japan.”
In a statement released on Tuesday through his office, the octogenarian leader conveyed his sorrow and concern to the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida through a letter, in which he wrote, “I am saying prayers for those who have lost their lives and offer my sympathy and condolences to their families and others affected by this calamity,”
“I appreciate that the Japanese Government is doing everything it can to bring relief and support to those in need. As a Buddhist monk who recites the ‘Heart Sutra’ daily, I feel it would be good if Japanese Buddhists were also to recite this text on this occasion. Such recitation will not only be of benefit to those who have died but may also avert further disasters in the future,” the letter further stated.
On Monday, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Ishikawa prefecture on the main island of Honshu, Japan. The seismic activity triggered tsunami waves exceeding a meter in height, leading to widespread devastation in the affected areas. The Noto peninsula within the prefecture bore the brunt of the catastrophe, experiencing severe damage with several hundred buildings destroyed by fire and houses flattened in towns like Wajima and Suzu.
As of Wednesday, government sources confirmed a toll of 62 people dead and over 300 injured, with 20 of them in critical condition. The authorities anticipates the casualty count to rise as rescue teams continued their efforts amidst aftershocks and challenging weather conditions, navigating through debris and wreckage. The government also disclosed that more than 31,800 individuals sought refuge in shelters due to the natural calamity.
